Vauxhall has defended its previous statement saying its models do not feature emissions defeat devices after tests by BBC Panorama claim otherwise.

A Zafira Tourer Ecoflex Panorama tested was shown not to meet EU emissions rules. The BBC programme used a vehicle testing facility in the Czech Republic to check diesel emission levels on a Volkswagen Passat and an Opel Zafira and drags Vauxhall into VW's long running emissions scandal.

The Panorama documentary was shown last night and also showed VW's defeat device in action, with the Passat showing different NOx emissions outputs when the car was run on a "hot test".

Vauxhall said: “We suspect that the vehicle tested (Zafira 1.6 diesel) was not performing correctly and/or the test execution was not correctly set up.

“In order that Panorama did not potentially draw the wrong conclusions from their testing we requested full test reports and data from the testing including how the vehicle and test was set up, the technical state of the vehicle and details of the pre-conditioning of the vehicle which is necessary to achieve a stabilised condition for the test.

“Panorama has refused to share information on the technical accuracy of the test prior to the broadcast.”

Vauxhall stands by its previous statement that its vehicles do no have any feature that detects that a vehicle is undergoing an emissions test, including any feature that would respond to wheels turning.

The company’s statement following the Panorama programme, said: “Vauxhall products comply with all regulatory requirements, including the in-service emissions testing program, according to EU rules.

“These requirements are periodically audited by the approval authority.”

For those that missed it, the 30 minute Panorama documentary "The VW Emissions Scandal" can be viewed on the BBC iPlayer.